Cream of Cauliflower or Broccoli Soup

Cauliflower

Broccoli

When you are walking through the produce section and you see Cauliflower or Broccoli on sale grab a head or bunch - make sure its nice and fresh, no blemishes.   Last week I got a cauliflower for $2 and i made this soup which makes about 4 large bowls.  With the rest  of the ingredients it would work out to less than $1 per  serving and so full of nutrients.  The whole recipe is made in the microwave - which makes it very quick.  Once again I use Knorr chicken bouillon - I love this stuff and keep it in the cupboard for so many soup and sauce recipes.


Ingredients:
6 tblsp butter (or heart smart margarine)
1/4 cup finely chopped mild or sweet onion (spanish works)
5 tblsp flour
1 cup chicken broth- i break one cube in half in a cup of water and microwave for 1 minute, stir to mix  - Knorr Bouillon 
2 cups milk - low fat
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg - this has the flavour that when other eat it they wonder what it is
1 head of cauliflower or broccoli 

Step 1 - in a large bowl add about 1/2 water and chop up the cauliflower or broccoli, cover with lid or plastic wrap and microwave till tender - might be 6 to 9 minutes - check after 6 minutes then heat again till fork easily pierce - then drain off water and mash with a hand masher or fork - does not have to be fine i leave it is small bits - (see my picture here)   set aside to add at the end

Step 2 -  Using your  large bowl you want to keep the soup in, a lid is handy to have on this bowl but not necessary you can use plastic wrap.
Put butter and onion in bowl with lid and microwave for 2 minutes. To prevent lumpiness make sure you now add 1 spoon of flour at a time.  Add and stir till smooth then add the next one till all 5 are blended, it will feel thick.   Now slowly while stirring with a big spoon add the cup of chicken broth.  Then the same with the milk - stir, pour, blend.    Then the liquid bowl goes back in the microwave for 5 minutes - then take out and stir to avoid lumps.  Then back in for another 4 minutes - stir again till smooth.  You will feel how the thickness loosens up and becomes creamy.   


Step 3 - Add the spices and stir.   Add the cauliflower or broccoli, stir.  Put back in the microwave for final heating of 4 minutes.   Remove and stir it is ready to eat!


To be decadent you can add grated cheese on top - cheddar or swiss or Monterrey jack - no restaurant soup will be this good!!!!